Sea Life Aquarium Kansas City, MO

As I flipped through pictures tonight D-man yelled “Mom, there is that favorite place we went on bacation!”…love the words that come out of my 5 year old's mouth.  I also often wonder how many favorite places he happens to have, but tonight his favorite place was Sea Life in Kansas City, MO. 

I can always tell how big of an impact a place had on my kids by how long they continue to talk about the place.  It has been 9 months since we visited SeaLife Aquarium in Kansas City, Mo and with just one image, D-man could tell me all the details of our visit.  To word it exact he loved watching the jellyfish, seahorses, touching the slimey things, and the stingrays were cool too….I would say Sea Life also educated my little man.  

With over 5,000 sea creatures and 260,000 gallons of water we had the opportunity to get up close and personal to sharks, hold crabs, touch starfish, make our imaginations explode while watching seahorses, and stand in awe as we watched the beautiful yet poisonous jellyfish. 

Sea Life Aquarium in Kansas City is not an all day adventure, the aquarium is perfect for a rainy afternoon adventure, cool when it is too hot to play outside, and a great place to kill a few hours.

The aquarium is located next to LEGOLAND and in the Kansas City Crown Center. 

With smiles and giggles, Sea Life Aquarium in Kansas City, Mo earns this Traveling Mom’s seal of approval! 

Have an Adventurous Day! 

~Becky

Disclosure:  Our visit to the Sea Life Aquarium in Kansas City was sponsored by the Kansas City Tourism office.  A big thank you to them for giving us the opportunity to visit, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own (or my children's)!  

Sea Life Aquarium Kansas City, MO

As I flipped through pictures tonight D-man yelled “Mom, there is that favorite place we went on bacation!”…love the words that come out of my 5 year old's mouth.  I also often wonder how many favorite places he happens to have, but tonight his favorite place was Sea Life in Kansas City, MO. 

I can always tell how big of an impact a place had on my kids by how long they continue to talk about the place.  It has been 9 months since we visited SeaLife Aquarium in Kansas City, Mo and with just one image, D-man could tell me all the details of our visit.  To word it exact he loved watching the jellyfish, seahorses, touching the slimey things, and the stingrays were cool too….I would say Sea Life also educated my little man.  

With over 5,000 sea creatures and 260,000 gallons of water we had the opportunity to get up close and personal to sharks, hold crabs, touch starfish, make our imaginations explode while watching seahorses, and stand in awe as we watched the beautiful yet poisonous jellyfish. 

Sea Life Aquarium in Kansas City is not an all day adventure, the aquarium is perfect for a rainy afternoon adventure, cool when it is too hot to play outside, and a great place to kill a few hours.

The aquarium is located next to LEGOLAND and in the Kansas City Crown Center. 

With smiles and giggles, Sea Life Aquarium in Kansas City, Mo earns this Traveling Mom’s seal of approval! 

Have an Adventurous Day! 

~Becky

Disclosure:  Our visit to the Sea Life Aquarium in Kansas City was sponsored by the Kansas City Tourism office.  A big thank you to them for giving us the opportunity to visit, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own (or my children's)!  

14 FREE Family Friendly Holiday Activities in Kansas City Missouri

City Lights Tree Lighting at Barney Allis Plaza

Mayor's Christmas Tree 

The holiday lighting display encompasses Barney Allis Plaza and several nearby buildings including the Downtown Marriott Hotel, which features spectacular computer-generated holiday images across its 22-story facade.  Santa Claus will lead the parade to Barney Allis Plaza for the City Lights ceremony on November 16, 2012.  Immediately after the festivities, Santa will lead the parade to Cosentino's Downtown Market for children's activities.

This event is FREE call 816-421-1539 www.downtownkc.orgfor more information. 

Legends Tree Lighting Ceremony at Legends Outlets Kansas City, 1843 Village West Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66111

In its eighth year, the Legends will kick off the holiday season with its annual tree lighting ceremony on November 17, 2012.  As the region’s only international synchronized light show, watch thousands of twinkling lights dance in tune with holiday music during the Legendary Light Show.  Newest shopping additions include Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Cole Haan, Under Armour, White House | Black Market Outlet, J. Crew | crewcuts and Chico’s Outlet. 

 This event is FREE call 913-788-3700 for more information. 

Northern Lights at Zona Rosa at the Zona Rosa Shopping Center, 8640 N. Dixson Ave., Kansas City, MO 64153

Zona Rosa commences the holiday season with a special lighting ceremony to spotlight the large crowns hung above the streets, as well as the featured Christmas tree in the Town Square.  Lights will be turned on just before 6 p.m on November 17, 2012 and remain on through mid-January.

This event is FREE call 816-587-8180 or visit www.zonarosa.com  for more information. 

Country Club Plaza Lights at Country Club Plaza, 4750 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64112

The Plaza Lights have been a Kansas City holiday tradition for more than 80 years. Thousands of lights outline the Spanish-influenced architecture of this prestigious shopping and dining district. Lights glow from November 22, 2012 until mid-January 2013. Sporting Kansas City stars Matt Besler, Kei Kamara and Jimmy Nielsen will “flip the switch” as the honored guests of the official Plaza Lighting ceremony on Thanksgiving evening at 6: 50 p.m. Lights remain on through mid-January. Shopping additions include Kate Spade New York, H&M and Moosejaw.

This event is FREE call 816-753-0100 or visit www.countryclubplaza.com for more information. 

 

Mayor's Christmas Tree, at Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108

The 100-foot-tall Mayor’s Christmas Tree, one of the nation’s tallest, is the centerpiece for an illuminating holiday celebration. The tree is a symbol of the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund, which is dedicated to assisting the city's less fortunate. Tree on display from November 23, 2012 through Jan. 1. Browse seasonal gifts at Holiday Magic, tween gifts at Club 223 and one of only two Crayola Stores in America.

This event is FREE call 816-274-8444 or visit www.crowncenter.com for more information. 

Christmas Card Lane at West of Ridgeview and north of 151^stStreet, Olathe, KS 66062

Ooh and aww in the comfort of your car over one KC’s most festive neighborhoods, which features more than 200 decorated homes in the city of Olathe. This celebration earned its name by the larger-than-life greeting cards that line the streets.

This event is FREE and runs November 23, 2012 through January 1, 2013 visit www.kansastravel.org  for more information. 

Windows on Main at Kansas City Power & Light District, 13^th & Walnut streets, Kansas City, MO 64106

In its third year, the Kansas City Power & Light District’s shiny new tradition—Holiday Windows on Main, blends art, light and motion. Local artists partner with downtown businesses to create festive window displays on Main Street storefronts inspired by those in Times Square. Shop at local boutiques at The Garment District, which is home to eight stores all under one roof.

This event is FREE runs November 16, 2012 through Early January 2013 for more information call 816-842-1045 or visit www.powerandlightdistrict.com.

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Stop at Independence Square, Independence, MO 64050

Keeping in line with an American tradition that started nearly 50 years ago, this year’s Capitol Christmas tree will journey across America. Traveling more than 3,000 miles with stops in 30 cities, Kansas City is part of this year’s route. The Capitol Tree will be part of Independence’s lighting ceremony on Nov. 17. The Capitol tree will then be delivered to the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol by November 26 with an early December lighting ceremony.

This event is FREE call 720-289-9366 or visit www.CapitolChristmasTree2012.com for more information. 

Hall of Trees at Hall of Waters, 201 E Broadway St., Excelsior Springs, MO 64024

Walk through a winter wonderland of Christmas trees decorated beautifully by various businesses or organizations in Excelsior Springs.

This event is FREE, runs November 17, 2012 through January 1, 2013, call 816-630-6161, or visit www.ci.excelsior-springs.mo.usfor more information. 

Visits with Fairy Princess at Zona Rosa Shopping Center, 8640 N. Dixson Ave., Kansas City, MO 64153

Drawing from longtime local traditions, Zona Rosa features the Fairy Princess sponsored by The Kansas City Museum. The Fairy Princess first appeared in Kansas City, Mo., in 1935 in the toy department at Kline’s Department Store during the holidays.

This event is FREE, runs November 17-29, 2012 call 816-587-8180 or visit www.zonarosa.com for more information. 

Crown Center Crayola Christmas Land 

Santa's Crayola Christmas Land at Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108

Santa Claus arrives in a horse-drawn carriage to kick off the holiday season. Perry the Penguin, Casey Bear and other costume characters help greet Jolly Ol’ St. Nick. Join Santa as he makes his way to Crayola Christmas Land, where he resides through December 24. Children can play on super-sized Crayola products, while waiting to tell Santa all of their holiday wishes. 

This event runs Nov. 23-Dec. 31 and is FREE call 816-274-8444 or visit www.crowncenter.comfor more information. 

Whoville Holidays at The City Market, 20 E 5th St., Kansas City, MO 64106

Bring your camera and to have your photo taken with The Grinch!  Children's fun in the Whoville Activity area too. 

This event is FREE runs Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22 call 816-842-1271or visit www.thecitymarket.orgfor more information.   

PJ Party with St. Nick at Zona Rosa Shopping Center, 8640 N. Dixson Ave., Kansas City, MO 64153

Santa Claus makes his formal arrival at Zona Rosa with a fun pajama party for children at The Grove in the Marshalls building on November 30, 2012.  The slumber party with St. Nick and Mrs. Claus includes fun and entertainment for the whole family. Free cookies, milk, ice cream and giveaways are available for children, while supply lasts.

This event is FREE  call 816-587-8180 or visit www.zonarosa.com for more information. 

Christmas on the Farm at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park & Historic Site, 26600 Park Rd., Lawson, MO 64062

Activities will include caroling, kid’s crafts, traditional holiday treats, visits from Father Christmas, and other period entertainment that will last into the evening hours, when the house will be lit by lamplight.

This event is December 1, 2012 and is FREE call 816-580-3387 or visit www.watkinsmill.org/calendar.html#Christmasfor more information.  

Disclosure:  Photos provided by the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association.  

Steamboat Arabia Museum in Kansas City Missouri

This past summer when the kids and I on our road trip to Kansas City Missouri, we had the opportunity to visit Steamboat Arabia Museum in Kansas City.

The museum is dedicated the history of  The Arabia and the treasures that were recovered 132 years after the boat sank.  The boat was not only a passenger boat, but also a cargo ship, and was loaded with merchandise.  Much of the merchandise and cargo was wet, but had been preserved by being encased in water and mud.        

The Hull of the boat

Inside the Steamboat Arabia Museum you will learn the history of The Arabia, why it sank, how many causalities, including the one mule that was supposed to be released, but was discovered it had not been, and learn how they recovered the boat and merchandise. 

Steamboat Arabia Museum in Kansas City Missouri

This past summer when the kids and I on our road trip toKansas City Missouri, we had the opportunity to visit Steamboat Arabia Museum in Kansas City.

The museum is dedicated the history of  The Arabia and the treasures that were recovered 132 years after the boat sank.  The boat was not only a passenger boat, but also a cargo ship, and was loaded with merchandise.  Much of the merchandise and cargo was wet, but had been preserved by being encased in water and mud.        

The Hull of the boat

Inside the Steamboat Arabia Museum you will learn the history of The Arabia, why it sank, how many causalities, including the one mule that was supposed to be released, but was discovered it had not been, and learn how they recovered the boat and merchandise. 

I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Steamboat Arabia Museum, I could have spent hours wondering through the museum, learning the history, and admiring all the artifacts.  However, I must confess the Steamboat Arabia Museum was not ideal for my little man had ZERO patience for the museum.   He lasted through the introduction, five minutes into the short clip, they show, and that was about all he was good for.  Now Lesse on the other hand who was eight, she really enjoyed the museum, but had a hard time understanding and following the guidelines.  There is very few things you can touch, and hands-on stuff, therefore they did not “enjoy” the museum as much as they have other museums.  However, I will note Lesse remembers a lot from the museum and often talks about the things that she saw and how the perfume smelled that she had the opportunity to smell. 

The Arabia Steamboat Museum is located at 400 Grand Blvd in Kansas City Missouri; visit their websitefor complete information.  

Photos from the Steamboat Arabia Museum

Merchandise that was on the boat

China Dishes

where they work on preserving the stuff 

The Snag that Sank the Boat

Beads

The Perfume

~Becky

Dining with Tots

It has to be every parent’s nightmare to be invited or expected to fine dine with children.  No lie, this is one of my biggest challenges as a Mom; my kiddos have grown up eating at Ma & Pop restaurants, kid friendly joints, and the classic fast food joints.  However, I made it my goal this summer to introduce them to some new places, new experiences, and along with that came new challenges. 

My biggest challenges when it comes to dining with kids:

• Knowing the food- Grilled cheese is never the same, Pizza is not Pizza, and kid’s do not want their food smothered in anything green.  I recently had an all time fail while eating at the Boathouse Forest Parkin St Louis, MO; I had the grand idea to short cut the cost of the kids menu and order pizza off the regular menu for three kids to share.  I ordered the Four Cheese Pizza, thinking this was a simple fix they would love it, only what kid likes Feta Cheese on their pizza?  Needless to say I had 3 unhappy eaters and ended up eating the pizza myself and they devoured my chicken and fries.    
• Manners- okay honestly, my kids do have decent table manners.  I mean we do not dance on the table, we don’t belch and rub our stomach after a meal, nor do we talk the 3 B’s at the table (boogers, body functions, body parts).  However, sitting at a restaurant that takes more than 5 minutes to cook your food can cause moments of boredom and odd things happen.  We all have that moment when our 4 year old sends a napkin flying across the room to land in the well postured decked to hilt lady’s lap….thankfully she had manners and grinned to my relief.     
• Entertainment- well this can save the manners issue, but normally when I am dining out somewhere other than a family friendly joint it tends to be for a reason, but that reason is usually boring for sidekicks.  What can you do to quietly entertain your kiddos at dinner?   
• Tableware- Yes we use glass plates, cups, and napkins at our table at home, but that is at home and I own them.  My worst fear is to sit at a table and they only provide my child with a wine glass to drink from, sigh….a 4 year old cannot handle that.  

Solutions to Dining with Tots

I by far am no expert, but I can say we have successfully dined at finer joints, and not left a complete mess.  This past July we conquered Gram & Dun in Kansas City, MO and while we could have done a bit better, I would give my kids, the server, and our host a 2-thumbs up for tolerating and making our dining experience an ease.

• Food- ask what words mean, ask the server exactly what the food is, get the full details, and then put it on a kid’s level.  You are not expected to be culinary expert, but the person serving your food usually knows or can ask exactly what something is.  At Gram & Dun we successfully shared one appetizer that was not mozzarella sticks and my sidekicks loved the Not-So-Standard Potato Chips served with a trio of ketchups.   
• Entertainment- still my biggest challenge anywhere we go.  I personally have become too reliant on my kiddos iPods to keep them entertained in a crunch.  Well noise is an issue in public, they turn the volume up too loud, or they cannot hear over the crowd.  Here is what I have started carrying in my car; colored pencils, small notebooks, etch-sketch, a few small cars, and envelopes.  After dinner conversations, give them plenty of time to write their GaGa a letter, or draw pictures for whomever their heart desires.    
• Tableware- once again just ask, while the restaurant may not have paper cups, they may have a coffee mug, or something smaller that little hands can fit around.  I have successfully (or their preschool and school has) taught my kids to use their napkins, but I also carry a small box of wipes with me for those emergency “well shucks Mom, I spilled ketchup all over me” moments. 

The one thing I have noticed is if my kids are expected to act like adults, they want to be treated as adults.  They prefer to order their own food, pick their own drink, and speak to their server themselves….more power to them this keeps me out of the dog house when they hate their food.  If I  am going to order a cocktail or glass of wine it is only fair that they also get to order a non-alcoholic drink of their choice, one way I diffuse the arguments and justify ordering my favorite beverage. 

Dining out is a privilege and a treat in our house, especially living on a “single” Mom’s income.  I often pick one special place a month to treat ourselves out to, and in return try to skip the last minute fast food runs or carryout calls.  

 Chow Down Folks,

~Becky 

4 Kid Pleasing Stops in Kansas City

Spend the day amongst the animals at the Kansas City Zoo. Get face to face with Nikita the Polar Bear, watch as the 800-pound bear practices his backstroke. After spending hour’s well maybe not hours, but my kiddos spent thirty minutes or more admiring Nikita, head over to be greeted by eight-year-old Sumatran Tiger brothers Manis and Langka. The big kitty cats have a brand new habitat on Tiger Trail that they are proud to show off. Next, stop the catch the amusing, comical, yet very intelligent Sea Lions. This group of Sea Lions put on an amazing show that kept my four year old not only still, but begging for more thirty minutes.
The Kansas City Zoo not only gives you that up close and personal feeling to the animals, but also offers unique ways to see the animals. Several of the animals’ habitats are open and children are able to pet the animals or feed them. The Kangaroos, however, are in a field at a distance, but open range giving you a feel that you are actually in Australia.  Continue to Read More

Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City, MO

 

Meeting the Polar Bear

Look Mom, there he is! 

Around the Zoo

Sea Lion Show

Kid Zone at the Zoo

***Disclosure our visit to the KC Zoo was sponsored by the Kansas City CVB.   All photos are my own.